Lively songs recommended for people in their 80s: A collection of nostalgic enka and kayōkyoku
Some of you may have opportunities to enjoy music with people in their 80s among your family or acquaintances but feel at a loss because you don’t know which songs are popular.
In this article, we’ll focus on songs that are especially exciting among those familiar to people in their 80s.
We’ve selected mainly Showa-era kayōkyoku and enka, with an emphasis on up-tempo and cheerful tunes.
Please use this article as a reference and enjoy music together with people in their 80s to create a wonderful time.
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Lively songs recommended for people in their 80s: A collection of nostalgic enka and kayōkyoku (11–20)
Otomi-sanKasuga Hachirō
Hachiro Kasuga’s “O-Tomi-san” is a song released in 1954, inspired by the traditional performing art of Kabuki.
It blends outlaw-style lyrics that incorporate Kabuki lines by Masao Yamazaki with music by Masanobu Toguchi.
The story of two people who reunite is expressed with a bright, upbeat tone.
In 1978, it enjoyed a revival hit as “Disco O-Tomi-san.” Loved across generations, Kasuga’s “O-Tomi-san” is a dramatic piece packed with the subtleties of life.
Why not enjoy this Showa-era classic together with older listeners and let yourselves be carried away by its charm?
Tokyo Boogie-WoogieShizuko Kasagi
A timeless classic that brought hope and energy to postwar Japan.
Released in January 1948, it became an instant smash hit.
The powerful vocals of Shizuko Kasagi and the boogie rhythm blend perfectly, setting countless hearts dancing.
Featured in the film Drunken Angel and performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, the song has shone in many settings.
Loved across generations, it has been covered by numerous artists, including Hibari Misora and Masaharu Fukuyama.
How about humming along with older listeners and picturing the lively streets of Tokyo in the postwar era?
Scorpio womanKenichi Mikawa
Kenichi Mikawa’s signature song “Scorpio Woman” is a piece that portrays the passionate feelings of a woman in love.
Using a Scorpio woman as its motif, it expresses both straightforward love and the anger that comes with betrayal.
Released in December 1972, it became a major hit, selling about 97,000 copies on the Oricon chart.
It was performed a total of seven times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, and from 2006 to 2009 it was sung each year with a different arrangement.
With its unique worldview and performance style, the song has long been beloved by many.
It might be nice to hum it together with older listeners, reminiscing about past romances.
childhood friendDuke Aces
One of Duke Aces’ signature songs, Osananajimi (Childhood Friends), is a masterpiece that vividly portrays the joys and struggles at each stage of life.
From memories of youth through love, marriage, and building a family, the story is sung over their nostalgic, beautiful harmonies.
The song’s wistful atmosphere and carefully woven lyrics are sure to tug at listeners’ hearts.
Released in 1963, it continues to be loved by many.
Its timeless, universal narrative gently reflects the subtleties of life like a mirror.
It’s a track that makes you want to cherish the bonds nurtured over many years—a true hometown of the heart.
North TavernTakashi Hosokawa
“Kita Sakaba” is one of Takashi Hosokawa’s signature songs, released on March 21, 1982.
Created by the duo Rei Nakanishi and Taiji Nakamura, this upbeat number depicts a fateful encounter in a northern tavern.
The romance set in an izakaya paints a special, one-night story anyone might long for.
With a classic kayōkyoku-style melody familiar even to people in their 80s, it’s a tune everyone can hum along to and enjoy.
Beloved across generations, it’s a perfect song to sing together with family and friends.
I'm falling in love with you againFuyumi Sakamoto
A deeply moving love story that touches everyone’s heart.
Released in January 2009, Fuyumi Sakamoto’s song portrays the blossoming of a renewed love for a long-time partner.
It delicately expresses the rediscovery of a loved one’s charms in everyday life.
The song was also used in a commercial for Sanwa Shurui’s iichiko shochu and gained support across generations.
It’s a perfect track to listen to with older adults; its gentle melody and profound lyrics are sure to resonate.
Lively Songs Recommended for People in Their 80s: A Collection of Nostalgic Enka and Kayōkyoku (21–30)
Because the moon is so very blueTsutoko Sugawara
Totoko Sugawara’s “Because the Moon Is So Blue” is a classic released in 1955.
It’s a superb work in which Sugawara’s distinctive vibrato pairs beautifully with Minoru Shimizu’s poetic lyrics.
It sold over a million copies, became a massive hit, and has been covered by many singers—a song that continues to be loved across generations.
As you listen, imagine walking with someone special along a tree-lined path bathed in gentle moonlight, just as depicted in the lyrics.